(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium will present in-person star shows and laser concerts for all ages in March, including programs featuring music by such artists as Taylor Swift, Shakira, and Beyonce. Face masks are required in all campus buildings, including in the Planetarium. The Planetarium also will have reduced-capacity seating.
The following shows will be offered at the Planetarium in Branchburg:
Perfect Little Planet, Saturdays, March 5, 12, 19 at 3:00pm - A family from another star system is seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best-known dwarf planet; sail through the rings of Saturn; feel Jupiter’s lightning storms; and walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination will the family choose? (Recommended for ages 6-12)
Laser Pop Rock, Saturdays, March 5,12,19 at 4:00pm - Lasers “dance” across the dome while music is played. Songs include “The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens, "Campfire Song Song" by Spongebob Squarepants, and "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
The Sky Above, sensory-friendly program, Saturday, March 5 at 5:00pm - This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show, approximately 45 minutes in length, is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program, which is presented on a kindergarten level, is appropriate for audiences of all ages. During the show, the doors will remain open so children may freely leave and return if they choose. Lights will be left dim (instead of dark), and the audio will be lowered and kept at a consistent level. The show will include music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the Moon and constellations.
Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, March 5 at 7:00pm - Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, experience a guided tour of the night sky. Learn about some of the popular constellations visible from sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. Hear about how and where in the sky to find the brightest planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Laser Ladies, Saturdays, March 5 & 12 at 8:00pm - Women have unquestionably made big splashes in the music industry. Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Beyonce, and Shakira are just a few of the female artists whose music is highlighted in this energetic laser concert.
From Earth to the Universe, Saturdays, March 12, 19, 26 at 7:00pm - The sky always has been a place of wonder. Philosophers and scientists, from the Greeks to Galileo, began to unravel some of its mysteries, and the invention of the telescope has allowed for still more discoveries. Fly by all the planets in our solar system, then travel beyond to view the birthplace and death of stars, and still farther to the myriad galaxies in our Universe. The program includes a brief tour of the current night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Rock of Ages laser concert, Saturdays, March 19 & 26 at 8:00pm - Enjoy a laser concert with songs drawn from the popular Rock of Ages Broadway show and feature film. Sing along to such tunes as “We Built This City” by Starship, “I Wanna Rock” by Twisted Sister, and “Talk Dirty to Me” by Poison. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, March 26 at 3:00pm - Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun, and planets. A lively experience for young people, the show offers selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
SkyLights, Saturday, March 26 at 4:00pm - Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by mr. RAY (“Family Ride,” “Kalien the Alien”) and Jane Murphy (“Moon Rock Rock,” “The Planet Song”). Some songs are illustrated with lasers, while other songs feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $18 for two shows back-to-back on the same day. Reservations are recommended, but all ticket sales are done at the door on the day of the show. Late admission to Planetarium shows is not permitted. For reservations and information, call 908-231-8805.
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, New Jersey.
